I think it depends on the dog. It wouldn't be a bad idea to introduce a ramp or steps at some stage. They don't get any younger and it will make it easier if he ever ends up having a hard time. Ella's not a very good jumper, and she doesn't like the ramp. I'm having my husband build me some interlocking boxes to use as steps for her. The boxers could jump on the roof without trying, lol.

Thanks...I help Coal in and out when I get ahold of him as he is not particularly thrilled with my command, "I'll help." I have a nice aluminum ramp, but you'd think the dogs view it as the entrance to the Inferno. Dante, in his book "Dante's Inferno" has a sign at the portal to that final place for many, "All Who Enter Here Forsake All Hope." That is true. Pic...Mr. Coal checking out something that might be "construed as a treat".

Thanks...I help Coal in and out when I get ahold of him as he is not particularly thrilled with my command, "I'll help." I have a nice aluminum ramp, but you'd think the dogs view it as the entrance to the Inferno. Dante, in his book "Dante's Inferno" has a sign at the portal to that final place for many, "All Who Enter Here Forsake All Hope." That is true. Pic...Mr. Coal checking out something that might be "construed as a treat".
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Ella feels the same way about the ramp. That's why I'm going with the boxes. They also make some steps that attach to the back of your SUV.

I use a ramp for Kryten, he has never been a jumper. With his elbows I wouldn't want him jumping out anyway. Jiggers has springs instead of bones in his legs so he jumps in and out.

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We are considering buying a ramp, Bailey is slowing down (at least I think she is) and Jon is worried that she's a little stiff getting into the vehicle. No jumping, just standing there assessing the situation a few seconds too long. If she starts looking over her shoulder back at me like she did as a pup, I'll know it's past time for the ramp. 130 lbs is a bit much for mom these days.

Denna could hop into the back of the Subaru when she was younger, and was great at climbing into our F350 using the running boards - but then she did jump out - which I could see was a bit jarring on the front leg & shoulder joints.

Since she tore her CCL (back right) in 2016, so she doesn't jump in anymore. She could climb in the side-door of the Subaru fine, and the F350 running boards were still ok, with a "boost" to the back end to get her all the way up.

Recently, the Subaru was traded in on a used Acura MDX, which is too tall, and doesn't have running boards (yet - I plan to add some soon)... It's WAY too far for her to jump down - she did once, I will advise against that for all future rides! We have a "solveit" ramp that will be going in the car from now on... unless we can figure out something that takes up less space... we do have a plastic box in the back to hold various supplies, maybe we could trade that in on something sturdy enough for her to use as a step... hmmm... might have to think about that idea. It would have to be big enough that Denna would feel comfortable hopping DOWN on it, too.

I set it up in the back yard, and Denna took right to it. All the "socialization" work we did with agility equipment in her youth certainly comes in handy when introducing new stuff for her to walk on/over/under now.

Denna could hop into the back of the Subaru when she was younger, and was great at climbing into our F350 using the running boards - but then she did jump out - which I could see was a bit jarring on the front leg & shoulder joints.

Since she tore her CCL (back right) in 2016, so she doesn't jump in anymore. She could climb in the side-door of the Subaru fine, and the F350 running boards were still ok, with a "boost" to the back end to get her all the way up.

Recently, the Subaru was traded in on a used Acura MDX, which is too tall, and doesn't have running boards (yet - I plan to add some soon)... It's WAY too far for her to jump down - she did once, I will advise against that for all future rides! We have a "solveit" ramp that will be going in the car from now on... unless we can figure out something that takes up less space... we do have a plastic box in the back to hold various supplies, maybe we could trade that in on something sturdy enough for her to use as a step... hmmm... might have to think about that idea. It would have to be big enough that Denna would feel comfortable hopping DOWN on it, too.

I set it up in the back yard, and Denna took right to it. All the "socialization" work we did with agility equipment in her youth certainly comes in handy when introducing new stuff for her to walk on/over/under now.

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We have been using the same ramp and have been very satisfied. However, it is relatively large (bulky) and heavy. I have walked it up and down myself (165lbs) and it is extremely robust. The price seems to be high but it‘s probably the best ramp you can find for an EM.

We have been using the same ramp and have been very satisfied. However, it is relatively large (bulky) and heavy. I have walked it up and down myself (165lbs) and it is extremely robust. The price seems to be high but it‘s probably the best ramp you can find for an EM.

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I can tell you it works for a 200 lbs dog and other than a few scratches and dirt it is the same as when I bought it 6 years ago.

Take a look around Amazon. There's a hitch step that is just one step, if that's all you need. Make sure to check the weight limit. I'm going to have my husband make me something like the platforms in the last link. I think the width will make Ella feel more stable using them.

We have been using the same ramp and have been very satisfied. However, it is relatively large (bulky) and heavy. I have walked it up and down myself (165lbs) and it is extremely robust. The price seems to be high but it‘s probably the best ramp you can find for an EM.

We use a pet gear brand fold up ramp that has the anti-skid traction surface (think sandpaper) most of the time. To get in my really high old jeep, we use folding steps that I can fold up and put behind the back seat. If we are in a hurry, sometimes I will pick her up like you would handle a lamb or calf and place her on the seat inside - same for putting her back on the ground. She weighs 125# and for the near term (at least) I can still do that.

I have discouraged her from jumping out of the vehicle because I am so protective of her joints. No problems with ACL etc. so far.

We have a Ford Explorer that I fold down the back seat and he can get into it using the running board, but if we are in a place other than my garage he can't get his footing right so he puts his front paws in and I have to place his back foot on the running board for him to get in. Our other vehicle is an F250 and he puts his front paws in and we have to lift his back end into the truck, not very graceful at all!

Take a look around Amazon. There's a hitch step that is just one step, if that's all you need. Make sure to check the weight limit. I'm going to have my husband make me something like the platforms in the last link. I think the width will make Ella feel more stable using them.

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Pricey little suckers, huh? I'm sure these would be the ticket, however. I have an aluminum ramp, foldable, and quite a nice one. I have to use the "Jaws of Life", a "bosch pneumatic air hammer", a 1/4 stick of dynamite, and a loggers' "come-along" to get the dogs to use the thing, however. Steps would be better...maybe I can sell the ramp! Pic is Chev "kissing" my oldest grandson.